In Canada, Ayurvedic herbal products are regulated as natural health products, and a safe product carries a Health Canada authorization number (an NPN, DIN or DIN-HM). Before you buy from any Ayurvedic store or clinic, check for that number, ask what is in the product, and tell your doctor about everything you take.
What "Ayurvedic medicine" means in Ontario
Ayurvedic medicine usually means herbal preparations such as powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils and pastes, sometimes made with minerals as well as plants. Ayurveda itself is a wider system that also includes consultation, diet, routine and treatments such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara and Panchakarma. See our guide to Ayurveda in Ontario.
How Ayurvedic products are regulated in Canada
In Canada, Ayurvedic herbal products that are sold for health purposes are treated as natural health products. Products that Health Canada has assessed for safety, efficacy and quality carry an authorization number on the label: an NPN (Natural Product Number), a DIN or a DIN-HM. A product without one has not been assessed by Health Canada. Ayurvedic practice itself is not regulated by an Ontario health college as far as we are aware, so the label number is one of the few checks you can make yourself.
Why it matters: heavy metals and quality
Health Canada has issued public warnings about certain Ayurvedic products found to contain high levels of lead, mercury or other heavy metals, including products made and sold by clinics. Read an example Health Canada advisory. This does not mean every Ayurvedic product is unsafe. It means quality control varies, and an authorization number, clear labelling and a trustworthy source matter.
Checklist before you buy
- Look for an NPN, DIN or DIN-HM on the label. You can look the number up in Health Canada's Licensed Natural Health Products Database.
- Read the ingredient list. It should name each ingredient and the amounts. Be cautious of unlabelled or home-made preparations.
- Ask who recommends it and why. A good practitioner explains the reason, the expected effect and who should not take it.
- Check for interactions. Herbs can interact with prescription medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes and blood pressure medication.
- Be wary of cure claims for serious diseases, and of anyone who tells you to stop prescribed medication.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every product you take, and stop and seek help if you feel unwell.
- Do not use herbal products in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for children without medical advice.
Finding an Ayurvedic store or clinic near you
Whether you search for an "Ayurvedic store near me", "Ayurvedic shop" or "Ayurvedic medicine Scarborough", look at the same things: whether products show Health Canada numbers, whether staff can tell you what is in them, whether there is a consultation, and whether the name, address and phone number match across the web. Clinics and shops are different: a shop sells products, while a clinic provides a consultation and treatment. If you want treatment rather than products, see Ayurveda in Scarborough or Ayurvedic massage in Scarborough.
Oils and external products
External products such as massage oils are lower risk than products you swallow, but allergies, skin reactions and ingredient quality still matter. Patch-test a new oil and tell your practitioner about nut, seed or skin allergies. Our Abhyanga guide and Ayurvedic massage cost guide explain more.
When to see a doctor first
See a physician before starting herbal products if you have a serious or long-term condition, take regular medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have new or worsening symptoms. Ayurveda can sit alongside medical care, but it should not replace it. See Ayurveda in Ontario: safety and questions to ask.
Ayurvedic care at Aara
Aara Holistic Wellness Clinic is a treatment clinic at #B10, 2761 Markham Road, Scarborough, near Steeles. Our Ayurvedic practitioner offers consultations and therapies, and you are welcome to ask any of the questions above before booking. Call or text 647-622-4114.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ayurvedic medicine legal in Canada?
Ayurvedic herbal products can be sold as natural health products in Canada. Products assessed by Health Canada carry an NPN, DIN or DIN-HM on the label. Products without one have not been assessed.
How do I know if an Ayurvedic product is safe?
Look for a Health Canada authorization number, read the ingredient list, buy from a source that can explain the product, and tell your doctor about everything you take. Health Canada has warned about some products containing heavy metals.
Can I take Ayurvedic medicine with prescription drugs?
Sometimes, but herbs can interact with prescription medicines, especially blood thinners, diabetes and blood pressure drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist first and never stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
Is Ayurvedic medicine covered by insurance in Ontario?
Generally no. Ayurveda is a traditional wellness service and herbal products are not typically covered by extended health plans.
What is the difference between an Ayurvedic store and an Ayurvedic clinic?
A store sells products. A clinic provides a consultation and treatment such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara or Panchakarma, and may or may not supply products.
Sources
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner about your specific situation before beginning any new therapy.